stupid bloody anaethetist!!!

[carlyr874]

Hi Girlies

I haven't had a chance to post this on here up to now, but last week I had an appointment with the aneathetist (as have high BMI - anyone else had to have this?) And he was insisting that as soon as I am confirmed as in labour I must have an epidural - I was like 'but I really do not want an epidural!' and he was just brushing over what I had said and kept saying it serves 2 purposes - is for pain relief and in case you have to have a section- so i was like ' I know what an epidural is for but I do NOT WANT ONE!!!! I just think after having a section last time I am going for VBAC and if I have an epidural then I am stuck on my back, I really want to be as active as poss and be able to change positions in the labour and if I have an epidural I have got more chance of ending up back in theatre having another op! grrrr he just didn't seem to listen or understand at all that i don't want one, in the end I said ok if it is that important that i have it in place just in case then I do not mind having the tube fitted in my back ready but i do not want any anaesthetic to be administered unless I have to go to theatre!

Then he said I don't think you'll be allowed to go for VBAC anyway they will just do a section - and then i was like ACTUALLY MY CONSULTANT HAS ENCOURAGED ME TO GO FOR VBAC AS I HAVE A REALLY GOOD CHANCE OF IT ALL GOING NORMALLY what would he even know about it??!!! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! Do these people not learn people skills and how to listen to patients!!! He couldn't get it into his thick skull that I really don't want one for pain relief - I managed to get right up to the pushing stage last time (before Holly went into distress because the cord was coming out at the same time as her head and restricting her oxygen supply) with only gas and air and I am quite prepared to do the same this time. And its not that I am adamant that I want a natural birth and have anything against pain relief or anything like that but I just do not want an epidural

sorry this is so long but he has really pissed me off! i must have been arguing with him for a good 20 minutes!

 

[Julie84]

Aww, poor love, as if it's not stressful enough for you without having appointments with idiots (apparently completely deaf and stupid idiot at that! )

If your consultant has said you have a really good chance of VBAC and that's what you want then I would just stick to your guns. Apparently once you have an epidural administered your chance of a 'normal' vaginal delivery drops to about 30% and you are going to be less able to fight if you are in the throes of labour and they start trying to push this on you. Can you go back to your consultan or midwife and have a moan about this bloke? If nothing else, they should be annoyed that he has basiucally said they are talknig nonsense about you having a VBAC never mind the fact he was so unsupportive of your wishes.

Also, I don't see why high BMI should have too much to do with. It should be used to assess suitability along with a whole range of other factors - it is certainly not the be all and end all.

I have a high BMI but am planning to have a homebirth. I think the guidelines say I shouldn't because of my BMI but my midwife said as I have had an uncomplicated pregnancy, have not put on much weight and I would feel a lot more comfortable at home she is all for it. She did have to get the senior midwife to agree to it but I think that is just a formality.

 

[emmie]

i also have a high bmi and nothing has been said to me about seeing a anaethetist etc etc

 

[shesmurf]

the aneathetist sounds like a right A.hole. I was referred to one because my BMI is 36. He basically told me I'd waited to see him for two and half hours for nothing as he didn't think it was required. However, I think he felt bad I'd been kept waiting so long so went through the pain relief options. He actually sounded as though he would actively discourage you from having an epidural due to the potential problems, said 17 of 50 he does don't work properly! I want to do it naturally and he totally agreed just said not to rule anything out in my birth plan.

I'd just make sure your consultant and MW are fully aware of your preferred choices, stuff the anethetist!

 

[Urchin]

My friend had a VBAC and they had to put a cannula in her hand in case of a c-section, no mention of needing an epidural.

Good luck I hope you get it

 

[carlyr874]

Thank you for your supportive replies!

If your consultant has said you have a really good chance of VBAC and that's what you want then I would just stick to your guns. Apparently once you have an epidural administered your chance of a 'normal' vaginal delivery drops to about 30% and you are going to be less able to fight if you are in the throes of labour and they start trying to push this on you. Can you go back to your consultan or midwife and have a moan about this bloke? If nothing else, they should be annoyed that he has basiucally said they are talknig nonsense about you having a VBAC never mind the fact he was so unsupportive of your wishes.

I am seeing my brilliant midwife next week and I will tell her about the stupid bloke because he really did annoy me! That's what I was worried about Julie - it being less likely to go to plan if I do have the epidural. Good luck with your homebirth - I would love that but it is just not an option for me unfortunately : (

x xxx